The Health Education Council (HEC) is a CalMHSA-approved vendor of the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training.
ABOUT
The Health Education Council (HEC) is a CalMHSA-approved provider of the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training, preparing staff to deliver culturally responsive, recovery-focused care that improves engagement, builds trust, and supports better outcomes for the people you serve.
This 80-hour training is ideal for organizations serving individuals affected by mental health challenges, substance use disorders, trauma, homelessness, justice involvement, or other life circumstances where lived experience is a powerful asset.
Certified Peer Support Specialists help individuals navigate recovery, increase self-sufficiency, reduce barriers to care, and foster hope through authentic relationships that traditional service models alone cannot provide.
After completing the training, participants will be eligible to take the Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam, which is administered by Cal MHSA. The individuals or their organizations are responsible for the exam costs.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This 80-hour program will help participants provide the following support as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist:
- Empower others during their recovery through skill building. Help individuals build confidence and independence by strengthening skills in recovery, self-advocacy, social connections, daily living, and long-term wellness.
- Support others along their recovery journey. Provide ongoing peer support to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges through encouragement, shared lived experience, and recovery-focused guidance.
- Connect people to resources that can make a difference. Coach individuals in navigating services, accessing community resources, and developing the skills needed to overcome barriers and achieve personal goals.
- Strengthen collaboration across care teams. Work alongside families, support systems, providers, and community partners to ensure individuals receive coordinated, person-centered support.
- Cultivate resilience through consistency. Help individuals develop healthy coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and confidence to overcome challenges and make informed decisions.
TRAINING LANGUAGES
The training is offered in English.
TRAINING MODALITY
HEC's program is being offered in person at the Roseville Venture Lab located at 316 Vernon Street, Suite 110, Roseville, CA
TRAINING DATES - In-person attendance is required
July 23, July 24, July 30, July 31, Aug 6, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 20, Aug 21 Aug 27
Doors open at 8:30am, sessions begin at 9:00am and conclude at 4:30pm
COST OF THE PROGRAM
$1,200 (Payment plans are available)
Training Cost, Employer Support & Scheduling
The base cost for the program is $1,200, but we encourage people currently employed to first check with their employer to determine if there is financial support available for staff training:
- Many organizations can cover training costs or reimburse them when the training is relevant to your role.
- In many cases, employees are permitted to complete training during work hours, so long as it is aligned with job responsibilities.
- Before you register, please confirm with your employer whether any funding or time-off support is available.
A limited number of scholarships are also available for participants who need financial assistance. If you indicate interest, our team will follow up by sending you a brief scholarship application.
TRAINING ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible for this course, an individual must:
- be an adult (18-year-old or older) person.
- self-identify as having lived experience with the recovery process from mental illness, substance use disorder, or other significant trauma or have experienced a close family member who has undergone a recovery process.
- want to support others through the same experience.
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
TRAINING REGISTRATION
Individuals interested in registering for HEC's training program should complete the registration form below.
